Science Degrees Online

Special Opportunitites

A number of learning opportunities are available throughout the student’s stay at Stanford and complement the formal course work.

Annual Retreat
Students in the Neurosciences Program organize an annual retreat in the Autumn Quarter which serves to familiarize new students with their peers and faculty. Students choose guest speakers who present their work, along with selected senior students, in an informal setting. The two-day retreat is held at the Hopkins Marine Station, by the ocean on the Monterey Bay Peninsula.

Weekly Neurosciences Graduate Student luncheon
All neuroscience students participate in the required class “Professional Development and Integrity in Neuroscience” In this course, faculty present discussions about grantsmanship, oral and graphical presentation of data, authorship and scientific ethics (topics include Conflict of interest, Data acquisition and ownership, Peer review, Responsible authorship, and Research misconduct). The bulk of the course, however, consists of students’ selecting and presenting articles from the current literature for critical discussion.

Our students also take advantage of several weekly seminar series hosted by many departments and featuring speakers from around the world. Students not only become aware of the frontiers of neuroscience, but get an opportunity to meet neuroscientists who may become their postdoctoral mentors and future colleagues. Journal clubs are held throughout the campus that focus on cell biology and physiology, biochemistry, genetics and developmental biology. Students also keep in touch with their peers at Berkeley and UCSF through annual get-togethers.

Course Descriptions

ACT 107 Introduction to Actuarial Science (1)

An introduction to and overview of the field of actuarial science. Field trips and guest speakers will be key elements to this course. Students will be investigating the field of actuarial science. (Offered in spring.)

ACT 385 Practicum in Actuarial Science (4)

Significant working or participatory experience in the field of actuarial science. Approval will be given only if there is evidence of significant new learning opportunities related to actuarial science. Credit assumes 40 hours of non-repetitive experience for each of the 4 credits. The practicum requires two supervisors: a work supervisor and an academic supervisor. All paperwork for the practicum must be processed prior to the activity and will not be accepted after the fact. Students must be of junior standing and have completed at least half (34 credit hours) of the program. Prerequisites: Must be a senior actuarial science major. (Offered every semester, interim and summer.)

ACT 452 SOA Exam Review (3)

Additional topics in actuarial science and preparation for the first actuarial science exam (exam P). Review and more in-depth treatment of topics in previously taken courses in the major. Student must have completed at least three fourths of the course work in the major, including MAT 351, 357, and 358, before taking this course. Prerequisite: Must be a senior actuarial science major. (Offered in fall starting in 2010.)

Exercise Science
UCAS Code: C601 BSc/PAEH

Educational Aims

To provide an Honours level, multi-disciplinary, scientific degree in Exercise Science that integrates theoretical and practical knowledge bases relevant to employment opportunities in the field.
To develop graduates with the intellectual, scientific, and practical, problem-solving, transferable skills relevant to the discipline.
To enable students to realise their ambitions interest and potential with respect to their study of the field of Exercise Science.
To provide the students with placement opportunities that will enable them to develop skills in applied practice such as communication skills, reflective practice, time management etc.
Course Content

In Year One a core foundation programme is offered consisting of modules in physiology, psychology, human anatomy and kinanthropometry, exercise, health and well-being and research skills. In addition, two options may be chosen from Sport Management, Biomechanical foundations and Socio-economic foundations. Key themes in exercise, health and nutrition, physical activity and health promotion, exercise testing and prescription, community health and exercise programmes are progressively developed through Years Two and Three of the degree programme. These themes allow students to develop both breadth and depth across core subjects and contemporary optional modules. Applied placement modules are available in Year Two of the programme. The programme enables practical opportunities for students to experience health and exercise intervention development and delivery in a range of health, leisure, community, workplace and school settings. Guest speakers from such settings also contribute to key lectures on the programme. Whilst emphasis is placed on the student to be an active partner in their own development, the School has in place a strong academic and pastoral support and guidance mechanism, supported by a network of specialist university services.
Career Paths

A degree in Exercise Science will provide scientific training, knowledge and applied practice skills for a graduate to be able to apply for a range of health and exercise posts in health and/or leisure settings. Furthermore their transferable skills allow them access to a greater range of employability opportunities in the health/leisure/sports industries.

Current exercise and health graduates progress into a diverse range of careers including health development/promotion, physical activity development (with special populations), sports and/or community development, research and higher education, teaching careers/PE, physiotherapy training (at MSc level), police/fire/armed services. High profile graduates have obtained posts such as health development coordinator, physical activity development within leisure services and community healthy ageing worker within a city council. Many students also gain both paid/voluntary work opportunities via their placement providers with whom they foster links throughout their degree programme. A growing number of employment opportunities are currently available in the UK in this field due to the expansion of Government policy and the development of physical activity strategy through the health and leisure sectors.